Optical Module Fiber Clamp Sleeve Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical data communication modules with fiber-retaining mechanisms are bulky due to the space occupied by these mechanisms and have complex, uneconomical electrical lead arrangements, making them less compact and efficient.
Innovation Solution
The optical data communication module incorporates a fiber guide tube with a tapering diameter and a fiber clamp sleeve with a sliding barrel portion that engages with the fiber guide tube, allowing for a compact and economical retention of optical fibers, where the fiber clamp sleeve and guide tube are retained in a fixed relation, and the fiber clamp radially compresses to securely hold the fiber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fiber-retaining clamp mechanism is added to prevent accidental dislodging of optical fibers, then fiber retention reliability is improved, but the module size increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber clamp sleeve is nested within the fiber guide tube, with the clamp mechanism integrated inside the guide tube structure. This nesting approach allows the retention mechanism to be contained within the existing module footprint without significant size increase
Solution Approach 2:
The retention mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a fiber guide tube for positioning and a clamp sleeve for retention. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and assembled in a compact configuration
2Stability of the object's composition
If a complex electrical lead arrangement is used to support the clamp mechanism, then structural stability is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber guide tube serves multiple functions: it guides the optical fiber, provides structural support for the clamp mechanism, and acts as a mounting structure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate support structures and complex lead arrangements
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical leads are integrated with the module body and leadframe structure rather than being separate components. The clamp mechanism is merged with the guide tube assembly, simplifying the overall structure and reducing the complexity of electrical lead arrangements
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design results in a compact and economical optical data communication module with a secure fiber retention mechanism that prevents accidental dislodging of optical fibers, while also simplifying the electrical lead arrangement for improved efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The interior region of the barrel portion has a fiber clamp that is displaced in a radially inward direction by movement of the fiber guide tube engagement and fiber clamp sleeve engagements into engagement with each other
Data Source
AI summary
An optical data communication module assembly includes a mountable module body, a fiber guide tube having one end attached to the module body, and a fiber clamp sleeve having a barrel retained within the other end of the fiber guide tube. The interior of the fiber guide tube and exterior of the fiber clamp sleeve have correspondingly tapered diameters and mating engagements. Sliding the fiber clamp sleeve within the fiber guide tube can engage and disengage these mating engagements and also clamp and unclamp an optical fiber within the fiber guide tube.